Embrace Your Main Character Energy: Stop Settling and Start Living the Life You Truly Want

There’s a narrative we’re often told: to be modest, to not want “too much,” and to make do with what we have. But here’s a truth that’s worth embracing: wanting nice things, having high standards, and living with purpose aren’t just valid—they’re powerful. This is about normalizing main character energy in your life. Picture your life as a movie, and you’re not the side character or the placeholder. You’re the lead, the star, the one who directs the plot.

In this post, we’ll explore what it means to embrace main character energy and why there’s nothing wrong with wanting the best for yourself. This is about creating the life you want, not just the one that happens to you. So, if you’re ready to play the lead role in your own story, read on.

Step 1: Decide to Want What You Want

First things first—normalize wanting things for yourself without guilt. It’s not selfish to desire nice things, fulfilling relationships, or a life that feels vibrant and meaningful. Too often, people settle for less because they feel they should be content. But main characters don’t just accept life as it is; they actively shape it. It starts with giving yourself permission to want more.

Ask yourself, If I could design my dream life without limits, what would I want in it? The answers to this question reveal your desires, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Give yourself permission to want quality, to dream big, and to expect great things.

Tip: Write down everything you desire, from your dream home to the relationships and experiences you crave. Getting clear on what you want is the first step to making it happen.

Step 2: Embrace High Standards

Main characters have high standards—they don’t settle for second-best in their story. If you’re the main character in your life, start setting standards that reflect what you truly value. This applies to relationships, career choices, self-care routines, and even the way you spend your time. When you know what you want and you respect yourself enough to hold out for it, you elevate every aspect of your life.

Example: Instead of just accepting a job that pays the bills, seek one that aligns with your purpose and brings you joy. Instead of surrounding yourself with people who drain your energy, seek out relationships that uplift and inspire you.

Reminder: Setting high standards doesn’t mean being impossible to please; it means knowing your worth. High standards attract high-value experiences and people into your life. Don’t be afraid to expect the best, because that’s exactly what you deserve.

Step 3: Actively Create the Life You Want

Main character energy is all about living with intention. You’re not just going through the motions; you’re actively creating the life you want. It’s easy to fall into a routine and accept life as it is, but what if you decided to be more intentional? Think of it as writing your own role in the movie of your life. How do you want to show up? How do you want to feel?

If you’re waiting for something to happen, flip the script and take action. If you want more adventure, start making travel plans. If you want a healthier lifestyle, build routines that prioritize your well-being. This is your story—don’t wait for things to change; create the change.

Tip: Set monthly or yearly goals that align with the life you want. These don’t have to be massive; even small steps in the right direction help you feel more connected to the future you’re creating.

Step 4: Play the Lead Role with Confidence

Main characters don’t apologize for who they are, and neither should you. Embracing main character energy means showing up as yourself—confident, authentic, and unafraid of standing out. This isn’t about being arrogant; it’s about knowing your worth and living with boldness.

Imagine watching a movie where the main character spends the entire story apologizing for being themselves. Boring, right? You’re here to shine, to embrace what makes you unique, and to live without constant self-doubt. Confidence doesn’t mean you won’t have insecurities, but it does mean you’ll show up anyway, flaws and all.

Exercise: The next time you feel hesitant or unworthy, ask yourself, What would the lead character in my story do? Let that guide your actions and bring you closer to your true self.

Step 5: Redefine Success on Your Own Terms

Main character energy is about creating what you want—not living by someone else’s standards. Define success by your own measures. This isn’t about what society says you should do, but about what feels right for you. When you decide what success looks like, you gain control of your life. You’re free to focus on the things that truly matter, rather than chasing empty goals.

Example: If success to you means living a balanced, happy life rather than one filled with material wealth, own that. If success means having a fulfilling career rather than just a high-paying one, prioritize it. Embracing your unique version of success gives your life real meaning and direction.

Tip: Write down your personal definition of success. Check in with it regularly to make sure you’re on track to achieving a life that aligns with your values.

When you embrace main character energy, you’re choosing to live with purpose, to set high standards, and to create a life that excites and fulfills you. You’re not here to be a placeholder in your own story; you’re here to be the lead, the visionary, the creator of something beautiful and uniquely yours.

So, if you were directing the movie of your life, what role would you play? How would you write your story? What kind of world would you build around yourself? The answers to these questions are up to you, and that’s the power of main character energy. Stop waiting for things to fall into place—start creating the life you want and live it boldly, fully, and unapologetically.